question for those who sailed both keels...

[Rich SantaColoma]

I have a 1973 O'Day 22. I'm looking at all different ways which I might be able to modify my trailer, so that I can get the boat maybe six inches lower. It is a real problem on most ramps as it is, even with my 12' extension bar to shove the trailer deeper.In the middle of all my drastic cutting/welding plans, it occured to me that I could get a fast 7 inches of lower boat, if I just SOLD my '73, and BOUGHT one of the later models, which have the shallower, 1'3" draft and centerboard. I've heard these boats point better, and I see that they are about 200 lbs. heavier.But my question is this: I would want to know if I would be gaining or losing stability by going for the later, shallower, boat? Not speculation, which I have done plenty of... but from someone who has actually sailed both designs? That is, both the 1"11" draft non-centerboard boat, AND the 1'3" centerboard model? For the type of trailer sailing I would like to be able to do, it would be a great help... but I do not want to give up the stability I now have. Thanks... Rich.

 

[Stu Timm]

Stability

Hi Rich:I have a 22 foot 1979 O'day centerboard sloop. My friend had a shoal keel model of the same length and make. He sailed both and noted that the centerboard model points and tracks better that the shoal draft model. Both models have the same hull, which for all intents and purposes, is flat bottomed. That hull provides decent stability for general, "comfortable" sailing with the family, but is not performance-oriented by any means, and pounds when in a chop.My boat heels under a wind load and prefers sailing flatter rather than at a tilt. I do not believe that there's an advantage to sailing the 22 heeled as she tends to loose her grip in the water and track sideways. The flat bottomand shallow keel exasperate the issue. Then again, I have old sails, so with proper sails and a well-tuned rig the effects of heeling might be different. I doubt so, as a flat bottomed boat is pretty much best for sailing flat and downwind. And remember, the O'day 22 is a TRAILER SAILOR, meaning it's keel is a tradeoff for easy trailering. The centerboard model helped the shallow keel grip and track better.Go for the centerboard as it gives almost 4 feet of depth when extended. The board will flop around and clunk in the trunk of the keel when rolling or pitching. There is also some pennant turbulence when sailing the "sweet spot" at a good speed with water running past the blade and the pennant, but it's harmless and is a good sign that you're making good time through the water.As afar as stability, if you want a stable boat, you need lots of mass below the water line (center of gravity). Full keel, heavy sailboats offer this in terms of righting moment, but have rounder bilges and like to be sailed tilted over from the wind. The question is whether you like it upright or at an angle!Regards,Stu Timm"Karakahl"1979 O'Day 22 CB

 

[Marvin Shepleta]

Great idea

Yeah just cut the keel off-great idea. No trouble at all. What a moron.